Since early in the century, Pa'u riders have brought a uniquely Hawaiian grace and beauty to Kamehameha Day parades, with a Pa'u queen in regal colors leading the way. Behind her ride princesses for each island, wearing appropriate colors and flowers, accompanied by a Pa'u unit including pages, attendants, outriders, and a pooper-scooper unit.

The parade route from Hawi to Kapa'au takes riders down Akoni Pule Highway to the statue to offer ho'okupu (a ceremonial gift as a sign of honor and respect) to King Kamehameha I, then proceeds to Kamehameha Park.

The Kokua Crew for the 2019 includes the North Kohala National Guard Alumni and many volunteers from our Kohala community.

The Pa'u tradition

Hualalai Carvalho, Princess of Oahu 2011

Well before dawn on Kamehameha Day, dedicated women will gather to make their final preparations as Pa'u riders in the floral parade. Each will be wrapped in 12 yards of brightly-colored material, secured with a kukui nut, to create the flowing, culottes-style Pa'u skirt that was designed in the 19th century to allow a woman to ride astride her horse with modesty and formal dignity.

Since they frequently rode in mud, through streams, and over rough lava fields, riding sidesaddle made no sense to Hawai'i horsewomen. Pa'u skirts could be worn for dress-up or everyday chores, and the formal version continues to be displayed on special occasions today.

Before parade day, the Pa'u riders practice with their horses, prepare costumes, gather flowers, and spend a full week creating elaborate neck lei for each horse along with fresh lei from island-appropriate flowers for all riders in their equestrian unit. In North Kohala, Pa'u riders assemble their riding units, outfits, and lei without corporate support. Like sharing beloved secret recipes, through the years Kohala residents with experience have passed on their skills at making the various lei and costume pieces, and maneuvering the horses in a crowd.